The Shadow of Great Britain

Chapter 959: Chapter 42: Fear of wolves ahead and tigers behind

The dazzling crystal chandelier in the Kaidao Sai Mansion hangs from the high dome, illuminating the golden hall like daylight.

The symphony orchestra is located on the stage in the center of the hall, with musicians dressed in uniform. On the left is the string section equipped with violins, violas, and cellos, and the woodwind section composed of clarinets, oboes, trumpets, and horns. On the right is a complete brass section with flutes, piccolos, double-reeds, and clarinets, along with a percussion section composed of timpani, bass drums, cymbals, and triangle.

And the focus of all attention is gathered at the center of the stars and the moon, focusing on the handsome young man sitting at the German Bechstein piano decorated with griffins.

Franz Liszt’s fingers dance between the keys, with intense and fluctuating melodies pouring out like storm clouds.

Mozart’s Symphony No. 41 in C major ”Jupiter”, this is the carefully selected theme for tonight.

For guests who love music, just this one symphony makes their night worthwhile.

As for those ladies who adore Liszt, just Liszt’s cold demeanor and flowing long hair are already intoxicating enough for them, and his brilliant performance merely adds to the delight.

Although the ladies still feigned calmness, their palms were already betrayed by the creased and deformed handkerchiefs.

However, not everyone was awed by Liszt’s passionate performance, because a notable number of famous musicians were present today.

The symphony orchestra conductor is Hector Berlioz, another popular young piano master from Paris. Although Berlioz’s popularity cannot compare to Liszt, this doesn’t hinder him from having some loyal supporters.

Moreover, everyone knows that another famous charmer is waiting in the men’s lounge. Frederic Chopin, if you were to ask why Parisian ladies are so keen on supporting the Polish independence movement, Frederic Chopin’s name would be their sole reason, and certainly the greatest reason.

Following Chopin’s appearance, the best salon music performer in France, Henry Hertz, is set to perform, with the grand finale reserved for the dean of Paris Music College, Daniel Auber, and the closing act naturally belongs to Beethoven’s favorite student, Carl Czerny.

Chopin once casually asked Arthur if he wanted to compete with these reputable European piano maestros, as there wouldn’t be many chances to clash with so many experts at once.

But for Arthur, just hearing this string of complicated names is already headache-inducing, not to mention performing, which feels like showing off in front of Guan Gong, or the French army fleeing from the scene.

Nonetheless, although Arthur politely declined Chopin’s invitation to perform together, he still proposed to accompany these piano masters on the violin to avoid damping his spirits.

Since acquiring the gifted violin from Wheatstone, Arthur would practice a couple of tunes whenever he had free time, and he even hired a teacher specifically. Although his skills aren’t up to professional standards, they are sufficient to mix in with the symphony orchestra.

Yet, why did Arthur ultimately not appear in the center of the stage?

That’s because, while borrowing a violin from a symphony orchestra player, he casually chatted with the person.

The fourteen-year-old kid told him that he was from Cologne in Prussia and had just accompanied his father and two brothers to Paris this year to study, enrolling in Paris Music College at the start of the year.

Oh, by the way, I forgot to mention, his name is Jacques Offenbach.

Therefore, to not discourage this budding young talent, Arthur generously decided to let him have the opportunity to perform.

The success of the show is what matters, right? What’s the saying? The achievement doesn’t necessarily have to be attributed to me.

Earlier were Liszt, Chopin, Czerny and Offenbach, and later were Arago, Poisson and Guy Lusac.

After careful consideration, Arthur found it more relaxing to stand in the middle for casual conversation with Hugo, Balzac, Great Dumas, and others.

After all, the folks before and behind are much more formidable than this group of literati in the middle.

Arthur sat on the sofa watching guests step into the dance floor one by one. Gentlemen wore tight tailcoats adorned with vibrant flowers on their chest, while ladies donned floor-length gowns embroidered with intricate patterns. Pearls and diamonds gleamed in the light, complementing their delicate makeup perfectly. They held fans or lace handkerchiefs, laughed lightly, and gracefully spun with their dance partners, interpreting the waltz’s elegance and passion.

However, Arthur appreciated more the fragrance of flowers and the rich aroma of champagne that filled the air over the dancing of gentlemen and ladies.

Servants moved through the crowd, carrying trays adorned with various exquisite snacks and drinks. Arthur casually grabbed a cup of light orange champagne, reaching out to bring back the Great Dumas searching for a dance partner.

But unfortunately, the chubby fellow had long been entranced, with a quick spin, he nimbly slipped past Arthur, not forgetting to offer a courteous bow afterward.

”Sorry, Arthur, there are three crucial things in my life. The first is Republicanism, the second is friendship, and the third is omnipresent love.